Why Is Black Liberation Missing From Long Beach’s MLK Celebration?
Thu Jan 08 2026
Every year, Long Beach claims to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.But last year, community leaders said the celebration missed the mark — failing to reflect the core of King’s life’s work: the liberation of Black people.In response to that criticism, Sixth District Councilmember Suley Saro helped restructure the event, bringing community members into planning committees.
A new promotional video was released featuring African American Cultural Center board president Darick Simpson and Dr. Autrilla “Sheba” Gillis of The Sixth.The video emphasizes fairness and inclusion for all residents — but omits any direct reference to Black liberation, Black excellence, Black history, or Black pride, despite these themes being central to Dr. King’s legacy and the reason this celebration exists in the first place.
Requests for comment sent to Saro’s office have gone unanswered. Committee members have voiced concerns — but mostly behind closed doors.
So the question remains:Why is it so difficult to explicitly name Black liberation in a celebration honoring Dr. King? And who will fight to change it?
This isn’t about optics.It’s about truth, accountability, and whether Long Beach is willing to honor Dr. King’s legacy all year round, without watering it down.
👇🏾 Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself.
Last year's MLK Story: https://www.jackieraetv.com/post/long-beach-dr-martin-luther-king-parade-sparks-outrage-over-lack-of-black-representation
Anthony Holmes Podcast: https://youtu.be/N16u1mBAuKs?si=a3vO8cjVa99GHe4TAnthony Holmes IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS21m-jkhOB/
Anthony Holmes IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS21m-jkhOB/
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Every year, Long Beach claims to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.But last year, community leaders said the celebration missed the mark — failing to reflect the core of King’s life’s work: the liberation of Black people.In response to that criticism, Sixth District Councilmember Suley Saro helped restructure the event, bringing community members into planning committees. A new promotional video was released featuring African American Cultural Center board president Darick Simpson and Dr. Autrilla “Sheba” Gillis of The Sixth.The video emphasizes fairness and inclusion for all residents — but omits any direct reference to Black liberation, Black excellence, Black history, or Black pride, despite these themes being central to Dr. King’s legacy and the reason this celebration exists in the first place. Requests for comment sent to Saro’s office have gone unanswered. Committee members have voiced concerns — but mostly behind closed doors. So the question remains:Why is it so difficult to explicitly name Black liberation in a celebration honoring Dr. King? And who will fight to change it? This isn’t about optics.It’s about truth, accountability, and whether Long Beach is willing to honor Dr. King’s legacy all year round, without watering it down. 👇🏾 Watch. Listen. Decide for yourself. Last year's MLK Story: https://www.jackieraetv.com/post/long-beach-dr-martin-luther-king-parade-sparks-outrage-over-lack-of-black-representation Anthony Holmes Podcast: https://youtu.be/N16u1mBAuKs?si=a3vO8cjVa99GHe4TAnthony Holmes IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS21m-jkhOB/ Anthony Holmes IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DS21m-jkhOB/